Beirut blast: Massive explosion shakes Lebanon's capital

Beirut: A massive explosion shook Lebanon's capital Beirut on August 2 wounding a number of people, causing widespread damage.

The blast shook several parts of the capital and thick smoke billowed from the city centre. Residents reported windows being blown out and false ceilings dropping.

The explosion appeared to be centred around Beirut's port and caused wide scale destruction and shattered windows miles away.

An Associated Press photographer near Beirut's port witnessed people wounded on the ground and widespread destruction in central Beirut.

Though it is not confirmed whether the blast is related to it, the explosion comes ahead of the verdict in a trial concerning the killing of former PM Rafik Hariri

Media reports have stated that a second explosion occurred near Hariri’s residence.